Asian political parties adopt declaration on regional peace and development

Leaders and representatives of Asian political party leaders adopted a declaration on Sunday, calling for joint efforts for regional peace and development.

The declaration, named as the Seoul Declaration on Peace and Prosperity in Asia, was adopted at the closing ceremony of the 4th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) by about 300 representatives of 90 parties from 36 countries.

In the declaration, the political parties identified their common tasks to meet the challenges arising in the region and agreed to pursue peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue, while respecting the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-intervention in domestic affairs.

The declaration strongly condemned all forms of terrorism and calls on the international community to work together towards eradicating the root causes of terrorism.

The document said proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) poses a threat to the existence and development of mankind, describing it as a major element affecting regional security and political stability.

It supported the six-party talks on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and called for an early resumption of the talks.

The declaration also appealed for more attention on poverty and inequality in the region, saying "it is our obligation to pursue a policy of sustainable development, to share development experiences, and to expand economic and technical cooperation, all actions which partake in the curing of such ailments."

The 4th ICAPP opened on Friday with the theme of "peace and prosperity in Asia". The first ICAPP was held in Manila, the Philippines in September 2000.